# Monthly School Board Meeting, 8/17/2026

The School District of River Falls’ monthly school board meeting on August 17, 2026, covered back-to-school preparations, grants, the preliminary 2026–27 budget, service agreements, and development of the district’s next strategic plan. The superintendent reported a $14,000 grant from Donaldson Filtration Solutions for industrial welding tables and tungsten sharpeners for the high school welding program. The district also received an environmental grant from the St. Croix Valley Foundation for elementary outdoor-learning curriculum and improvements such as an outdoor classroom and trail signage; the amount was not stated. The American Legion Auxiliary continued its $1,000 contribution to help students access activities and athletics. The board approved the preliminary 2026–27 budget for presentation at the annual meeting and budget hearing; figures remain estimates pending updated state and enrollment information. The presentation noted that remaining funds from the district’s 2024 $28 million referendum must be spent by the end of fiscal year 2026–27 and that the proposed community-service fund levy estimate rises from 220 to 260 (units were not specified in the transcript).

The board approved service agreements with the University of Wisconsin–River Falls for shared preschool support, with Prescott and Ellsworth for deaf and hard-of-hearing services, and with Ellsworth for Project SEARCH. It also approved a contract with the Joe Schrader Consulting Firm to facilitate strategic-plan development; the district said the proposed work fit its timeline and cost significantly less than other firms considered, but no contract amount was stated. Other approved items included updated job descriptions and policy readings. No dollar amounts were provided for the service agreements or consulting contract.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** August 17, 2026

### Sources
- [Monthly School Board Meeting, 8/17/2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX63WhpOdNU) - School District of River Falls